Procedure: Celiac Plexus Block
To prepare the patient for the nerve block, the patient is positioned faced down on the operating bed, and given a medication for relaxation. After the back skin is numbed, the doctor will insert a needle into the back until it reaches the celiac plexus nerves, guided with CT scans or x-ray device (fluoroscope). The physician may also inject contrast dye to help with seeing the needle.
This procedure may need to be repeated in several other places to address wider areas of pain. A nerve block procedure typically takes only 5-10 minutes.
Videos
Celiac Plexus Block (Percutaneous Approach)
Post-operative Care for Celiac Plexus Block
At the end of the procedure, patients are bandaged and may feel immediate pain relief. The block may be repeated if the pain is still there or returns.
Goals of Celiac Plexus Block
Immediate pain relief
Decreased reliance on pain medications
Find the source of pain (if used as a test)
Prevent chronic pain from surgery or cancer
Treat joint pain and a variety of other conditions (Crohn’s Disease, GI cancer, inflammatory bowel disease,pancreatitis)
Benefits of Celiac Plexus Block
- Minimally invasive; no scarring
- Faster, more comfortable recovery
- Immediate pain relief
- Chronic/severe abdominal pain management
Side Effects of Celiac Plexus Block
Complications are rare, but can occur:
Bruising, soreness at the injection site
Infection
Diarrhea
Low blood pressure
Muscle spasms
Allergic reactions
Nerve and/or organ damage
Seizures
Resources
https://www.treatingpain.com/treatments/nerve-blocks/
https://novusspinecenter.com/pain-treatments/celiac-plexus-block
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16853-celiac-plexus-block
